After losing nine out of their last ten games, the Los Angeles Clippers welcomed some positive news. Kawhi Leonard is set to return to the lineup on Sunday when the Clippers face the Cleveland Cavaliers, as reported by NBA Insider Chris Haynes and later confirmed by other sources. Leonard will have missed 10 games due to a foot and ankle sprain.
This return means Leonard should be available for the crucial Group B NBA Cup game against the Lakers, which will be broadcast on NBC’s Coast 2 Coast and Peacock on Tuesday. Before his injury, Leonard was averaging 24.4 points per game on 50.5% shooting, along with 5.7 rebounds.
Coach Tyronn Lue is urging patience as the team struggles with a 4-11 record and sits 13th in the Western Division. Since the Clippers don’t have a first-round pick this year—having traded it to Oklahoma City in the Paul George deal—there’s no incentive for them to tank the season. When asked about a message for fans, Lue said, “Just hang in there… It’s not about how you start, it’s about how you finish. If we get some players back, it might be a different story.”
The team has seen Leonard’s return and another player come back, but still remains without Bradley Beal (out for the season after hip surgery) and Derrick Jones Jr. (recovering from MCL sprain).
Fan Take: Leonard’s comeback is a major boost for Clippers fans and could rejuvenate the team’s playoff hopes. His presence not only raises the competitive level but also adds excitement and hope for meaningful games ahead this season.
